The CT9A Lancer EVO 7 (VII) was used as the basis for the improved EVO 8 (VIII) which for the first time was offered by Mitsubishi with a 6 speed manual gearbox (automatic transmission was not offered for the EVO 8).
The EVO 8 has 206 kW (280 HP) with a 0–100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. Its electronically controlled 4WD, Super Active Yaw Control (SAYC) and Active Centre Differential (ACD) together result in the EVO 8 having great poise and control on the road and track even for less experienced drivers, as demonstrated in the following video.
In Japan the following configurations were available:
EVO 8 MR – top spec “Mitsubishi Racing” model with aluminium roof and other weight reductions for a lower centre of gravity and improved handling, revised front LSD, 17″ BBS alloy wheels, BILSTEIN suspension, carbon interior trim, black suede RECARO seats, MR Badging, special factory optional colour eisen grey / graphite grey and vortex generator.
Engine updates included titanium turbo with larger diameter entry, updated cam profiles, lighter balance shafts and dual solenoid rather than single wastegate.
Reliability updates consisted of larger oil cooler core, ion-coated piston rings, reinforced cylinder head and 5-layer head gasket compared to the GSR’s 3-layer gasket.
Other adjustments were made to the electronic 4WD, ACD, Super AYC, traction control and sports ABS systems.
EVO 8 RS – basic “Rally sport” with LSD and minimal interior. Airconditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, audio system, rear wing, sound deadening material, map lamps and ABS were all optional to save weight for the track.
The EVO 8 MR is receiving much more interest from enthusiasts in recent years and prices have been rising as a result. See EVO 8 MR ~ Next COLLECTIBLE EVO for more information.
A number of high powered variations of the EVO 8 were offered in the UK including the FQ300, FQ320, FQ340, and FQ400 which came with 305, 325, 345, and 405 HP (227, 239, 254 and 302 kW) respectively. The FQ400 has one of the highest power outputs per litre of any road car engine and is claimed to achieve 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 282 km/h.
These UK specific models are not currently eligible for import to Australia due to technicalities in the SEVS compliance requirements which are based on how the Japanese model is to be upgraded to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR’s). All Japanese EVO 8 models are eligible for import.
The Nissan Skyline R34 was an awesome awesome car, it was the best car I have ever owned. I kept it for 7 years … absolute trouble free, reliable, unique and a great drive.
It was hard to let go of, but with a growing family had to eventually trade it in … in the end after 7 years of good use ended up getting $14K trade in at a dealer, which was bloody good … considering it was a an import landed for $25K, 7 years earlier.
For now I now drive around in a Golf GTI which I bought brand new, but with a growing family we need a bit more room. That plus the fact that the German built VW has already started to develop squeaks and rattles I never experienced in my Skyline!! …
Right now I am having a look at the people movers (something with three rows of seats) and the officially available range on the Australian market is just awful … I don’t really like what I see. They are terrible value and very very low tech.
Was thinking about an E51 Elgrand a few months back but it is way too large for my wife to drive around so having a look at the Delica instead, which is a bit more compact.
Have been looking at the Delica D5 (2007) at the Parramatta dealerships … but I am a bit suspicious of the KMs having been wound back and tampered with by the Australian dealers. And now having done a back of the envelope calc with your import price calculator based on the recent auction prices you just sent through I don’t quite know how they (dealers) could offer their cars at the price they do without having wound back the KM’s (and make a profit).
So once the wife test drives the Delica … and gives me the OK … I will go down the private import path again and rely on the Japanese auctions rather than the unregulated import dealers here.
The Nissan Skyline R34 was an awesome awesome car, it was the best car I have ever owned. I kept it for 7 years … absolute trouble free, reliable, unique and a great drive.
It was hard to let go of, but with a growing family had to eventually trade it in … in the end after 7 years of good use ended up getting $14K trade in at a dealer, which was bloody good … considering it was a an import landed for $25K, 7 years earlier.
For now I now drive around in a Golf GTI which I bought brand new, but with a growing family we need a bit more room. That plus the fact that the German built VW has already started to develop squeaks and rattles I never experienced in my Skyline!! …
Right now I am having a look at the people movers (something with three rows of seats) and the officially available range on the Australian market is just awful … I don’t really like what I see. They are terrible value and very very low tech.
Was thinking about an E51 Elgrand a few months back but it is way too large for my wife to drive around so having a look at the Delica instead, which is a bit more compact.
Have been looking at the Delica D5 (2007) at the Parramatta dealerships … but I am a bit suspicious of the KMs having been wound back and tampered with by the Australian dealers. And now having done a back of the envelope calc with your import price calculator based on the recent auction prices you just sent through I don’t quite know how they (dealers) could offer their cars at the price they do without having wound back the KM’s (and make a profit).